Africa-Press – Uganda. Gambling has become widespread in Uganda, capturing the attention of many, particularly the youth and men.
With hopes of quick financial gains, people often find themselves trapped in cycles of losses, debts, and broken relationships.
Although there have been stories of players winning money in gambling, the sad ones seem to be drawing more attention.
To address these challenges, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) recently organised a Responsible Gaming Awareness Campaign at Kamwokya Market.
The campaign aimed to educate the public on the importance of Responsible gaming and the potential dangers associated with gambling addiction.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including community members, boda boda riders, business owners, counsellors, and representatives from the NLGRB.
It sparked conversations about the social and economic impact of gaming in the community, emphasizing the need for responsible practices.
Creating Awareness: The Government’s Stance
Jackline Kamakune, the Senior Communications Officer at NLGRB, emphasised that the event aimed to demystify misconceptions around gambling and to highlight the need for responsible gaming.
She explained that gambling is legal in Uganda, having been approved by Parliament but they are strictly regulated.
“We are here to create awareness on gambling and its harmful effects. Gambling is legal in the country and was approved by Parliament through the Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 334,. Our job is protect you from the adverse effects of gambling,” Kamakune stressed.
“First of all, gambling is only for persons who are above the age of 25 years. The assumption is by 25 years, one is done with school, employed and are in position to make good financial decisions.” she advised.
Kamakune also further cautioned parents against allowing their children to engage in gambling and called upon everyone to view the activity as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.
“It is done for fun, not for making money. We encourage you to play responsibly and not rely on gambling for your livelihood,” she added.
The challenges of Gambling addiction
The presence of Ivan Musenero, a counselor from Butabika National Referral Hospital, added a vital psychological perspective to the discussion.
As someone who has seen the devastating effects of addiction firsthand, Musenero highlighted that responsible gaming means knowing your limits and not allowing it to interfere with personal and financial responsibilities.
“Gaming itself is not inherently bad, but the problem arises when people fail to do it responsibly. Addiction can lead to issues like debts, strained relationships, and mental health problems,” Musenero noted.
He warned that addiction often drives people to take loans they cannot repay, leading to severe financial and emotional turmoil.
One of the most concerning aspects shared during the event was how gambling addiction affects education.
A local businesswoman shared her concerns, stating that some students refuse to attend school because they spend their fees on gambling.
This pattern has contributed to increased school dropouts, a worrying trend in some parts of the country.
A Community’s Perspective: Voices from Kamwokya
Several community members shared their perspectives, reflecting the mixed feelings about gaming.
One business owner narrated a tragic story of a friend who lost Shs900,000, that did not belong to him, while attempting to make a profit through gambling.The loss was so devastating that it mentally destabilized him, leaving his life in disarray.
“People should never use money they cannot afford to lose for gambling. Gambling is not an investment, and the consequences of irresponsible gambling can be catastrophic,” he advised.
Another resident raised concerns about the proliferation of gaming shops in Kamwokya, stating that the community has over 10 gaming companies within a small area.
He suggested that limiting the number of gambling establishments could help reduce the prevalence of gambling and its associated problems.
He added that the government should establish disgnated areas that are far from crowds and can only be accessed by people with money to bet.
Social and Economic Impacts of Gaming
The campaign also shed light on the economic implications of irresponsible gambling.
Many small businesses are struggling because owners and workers often gamble away their savings, leaving their ventures underfunded and unproductive.
One of the speakers lamented that people sometimes sacrifice household necessities and children’s school fees to place bets, leading to increased financial instability and family disputes.
“People are losing their marriages because of gaming. Savings meant for family needs are being gambled away, leaving families vulnerable and unsupported,” he said.
Responsible Gaming: The Way Forward
Jackline Kamakune reiterated that closing gaming companies is not a feasible solution since gambling is boarderless and it remains legal and regulated. Without a regulatory body we risk not know the age groups gambling, the addicted or those who reguire help to quit gambling.
Additionally, with the advent of online gambling platforms, people can still gamble even if local establishments are shut down.Therefore, the focus should be on teaching responsible gaming practices rather than attempting to eliminate gambling altogether.
One of the core messages of the campaign was that gaming should be treated as entertainment rather than a financial strategy.Kamakune emphasised that any money spent on gaming should be surplus funds, not essential savings or loans.
“The idea is to enjoy responsibly, knowing that one can either win or lose and that is why it is called a game of chance,” she said.
The NLGRB remains committed to raising awareness about gambling risks while ensuring that Ugandans understand the legal framework and guidelines governing the gaming sector.
She added that those in need of help or counselling can reach out to the Board on 0800285800.
Counselling and rehabilitation supportTo further tackle the problem, Musenero suggested that communities develop support systems for those struggling with gambling addiction.
Counselling services and awareness programs can provide individuals with the tools to manage their gambling habits and address the root causes of addiction.
Additionally, he advised families and friends to look out for warning signs, such as financial difficulties, isolation, and constant gaming talk, and encourage affected individuals to seek professional help.The way forward.
While gambling can be enjoyable when done responsibly, it also poses significant risks when approached recklessly.
Kamwokya just like other communities need to foster responsible attitudes towards gambling, focusing on education and community engagement to help masses make informed decisions.
The NLGRB’s awareness campaigns are a positive step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done.
Partnerships with schools, local leaders, NGOs and health experts will help reinforce the message that gaming should never replace hard work and responsible financial planning.
The Kamwokya Responsible Gaming Awareness Campaign was a critical opportunity to address the social and economic challenges associated with gambling.
By fostering a culture of responsible gaming, the community can minimize the harmful effects of gambling while allowing people to enjoy it in moderation.The messages shared by the NLGRB, counsellors, and community members serve as a reminder that gambling is not inherently harmful, but irresponsible practices can destroy lives and families.
As Uganda continues to navigate the balance between legal gambling and public safety, initiatives like this campaign will play a pivotal role in shaping a more informed and cautious gaming culture.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), is an organisation that is mandated to licence and regulate the gaming industry in Uganda and protect the public from the adverse effects of gaming.
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